General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

KEENE ACADEMY

C. C. LEWIS

The following report of the work of Keene Academy covers the two years since the last General Conference:— GCB April 5, 1901, page 87.2

The enrollment last year was the highest in the history of the school, reaching one hundred and seventy-four in the academic department and seventy-three in the primary, or two hundred and forty-seven in all. The present year it is one hundred and sixty in the academic, and about sixty in the primary, or two hundred and twenty in all. The falling off is probably due to two causes,—an increase in charges for board and tuition, and the starting of six or eight new church schools in the district. We hope that a later effect of the church-school work will be to increase the attendance at the academy. GCB April 5, 1901, page 87.3

In the class of students, there has been a decided improvement. The present has been the quietest year in my experience as a teacher. It has been necessary to dismiss but one pupil, and the matter of discipline has taken but little of the time of the teachers. Nearly all are pursuing their studies with earnestness and interest. I could wish that the spiritual life were deeper; that there were fewer evidences of pride, worldliness, and unsanctified ambition; and that there were greater willingness to witness for Christ. Still there have been a few genuine conversions, and quite a number are developing stable Christian characters. GCB April 5, 1901, page 87.4

About fifty-five of our students give good promise of making acceptable laborers in some department of the cause, while we hope that many of the younger students will yet give their hearts fully to the Lord, and prepare for his service. GCB April 5, 1901, page 87.5

The class of ‘99 numbered six members; that of 1900, nine. Of these, two are canvassing; five are teaching church schools; two are engaged in Bible work; three are medical students; and one is a Conference and assistant tract-society secretary. The present class is composed of—members, all of whom are professed Christians, and nearly every one of whom expects to enter some branch of the work. The faithful instruction which has been given in the music department during the past three years is also bearing fruit. Last year there was a class of four members in sacred music and one in classical; this year there is a class of eight in sacred music, and five in classical. GCB April 5, 1901, page 87.6

The financial, outlook is improving. At the close of last year, the report of the General Conference auditor showed the school to be in debt some ten thousand dollars, largely for necessary improvements made during the two preceding years. The same report also showed that the departments of boarding and instruction made over twelve hundred dollars during the year above running expenses. The present year a course of rigid economy was put in operation by the board, and has been faithfully carried out by the business manager and all his co-laborers. Almost nothing has been spent for improvements or repairs. The services of one teacher have been dispensed with. The price paid for student labor has been reduced. The rate for board and tuition has been increased. The Texas Conference was invited to pay the salary of one teacher, the Oklahoma Conference, one-half the salary of a teacher; and both Conferences graciously accepted the invitation. Good crops, also, have brought in money on back tuition and pledges; so that we confidently expect the next financial report will show a gratifying decrease of indebtedness, and a general looking up of the finances of the institution. GCB April 5, 1901, page 88.1

The movement for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” started late in this district, and met with various hindrances. Nevertheless a good beginning has been made. The Keene church subscribed for one thousand copies. Brother A. G. Bodwell, as general agent, is pushing the work with vigor; a large corps of canvassers will go out from the school during vacation; and we hope another Conference will see the debt wiped out. GCB April 5, 1901, page 88.2

The rigid economy and reduction of debts, however, have not been without some results which we can but deplore. The teachers, as well as the other laborers, have been overworked, and hence have not been always able to perform their duties to their own satisfaction nor to the satisfaction of their patrons. The industrial studies sleep. The industries themselves have suffered. The buildings are out of repair. But the courage of the laborers is sustained by the hope that returning prosperity and freedom from debt will enable the board to remove these discouragements, and the blessing of Heaven upon the school will cause it to send forth many laborers into the fields white for the harvest. GCB April 5, 1901, page 88.3

C. C. LEWIS, Principal.
Keene, Texas, March 10, 1901.